View source for Che Fu

{{Short description|New Zealand singer, songwriter and producer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=November 2012}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name             = Che Fu
| honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=NZL|MNZM|size=100%}}
| image            = Che Fu MNZM (cropped).jpg
| alt              =
| caption          = Fu in 2009
| birth_name       = Che Kuo Eruera Ness<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/music-and-business-go-together-for-mr-fu/B7VPMOSV4YMGVSBK4REZPMNT64/ |title=Music and business go together for 'Mr Fu' |date=1 June 2009 |work=New Zealand Herald |first=Eloise |last=Gibson}}</ref>
| alias            =
| birth_date       = {{birth year and age|1974}}
| death_date       =
| origin           = [[Auckland]], New Zealand
| genre            = {{hlist|[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]|[[reggae]]|[[Soul music|soul]]|[[funk]]|[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]}}
| occupation       = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|rapper|record producer}}
| years_active     = 1989–present
| label            = [[Sony/BMG]]
| associated_acts  = [[Supergroove]], [[DLT (musician)|DLT]], [[Dam Native]], [[King Kapisi]], [[Aaradhna]]
| website          = Facebook<br> [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Che-Fu-The-Musician/125613550835620 Che Fu The Musician]
| current_members  =
| past_members     = 
}}

'''Che Kuo Eruera Ness''' {{post-nominals|country=NZL|MNZM}} (born 1974), better known by his stage name '''Che Fu''' (stylised as '''Ché-Fu'''),<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 2024 |title=Ché-Fu & The Kratez and the Auckland Philharmonia |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/concert/programmes/musicalive/audio/2018991129/che-fu-and-the-kratez-and-the-auckland-philharmonia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250630110304/https://www.rnz.co.nz/concert/programmes/musicalive/audio/2018991129/che-fu-and-the-kratez-and-the-auckland-philharmonia |archive-date=30 June 2025 |access-date=5 July 2025 |website=[[Radio New Zealand]] |language=en-nz}}</ref> is a New Zealand singer, songwriter and producer.  A founding member of the band [[Supergroove]], as a solo artist he has gone on to sell thousands of albums both in New Zealand and internationally. Che Fu is considered a pioneer of [[New Zealand hip hop|hip hop]] and [[Polynesian music|Pasifika music]] in New Zealand.

== Early life ==
[[File:Ama Ness, PPP aid.jpg|thumb|Miriama Rauhihi Ness, Fu's mother, 1977]]
[[File:Che Fu MNZM investiture.jpg|thumb|Fu with Tigilau Ness, his father]]
Che Fu was born Che Ness in [[Auckland]]. His mother, [[Miriama Rauhihi Ness]] is of [[Māori people|Māori]] descent and his father [[Tigilau Ness]] is [[Niue]]an.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=McFadden |first=Suzanne |date=24 May 2024 |title=Hip-hop legend Ché-Fu on family and performing with his son |url=https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/celeb-news/che-fu-family/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212095114/https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/celebrity/celeb-news/che-fu-family/ |archive-date=12 February 2025 |access-date=5 July 2025 |website=Now to Love |language=en-AU}}</ref> Fu's parents are well-known political activists, notably as members of the [[Polynesian culture|Polynesian]]-rights group, the [[Polynesian Panthers]], and founding members of Rastafarian movement ''[[Twelve Tribes of Israel (Rastafari)|12 Tribes of Israel]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hewitson|first=Michele|title=Religion more than dope, dreadlocks|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=3007164|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Nicola|title=Che Fu remembers his roots|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/4508260/Che-Fu-remembers-his-roots|work=[[Sunday News (New Zealand)|Sunday News]]|access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref> Tigilau is a musician and part of the band [[Unity Pacific]] as well as his son's band, ''The Krates''. The Ness family are [[Rastafarian]]s.<ref name=":0" />

== Career ==

=== Supergroove (1994–1996) ===
While a student at [[Western Springs College]], Fu and a group of friends formed the Low Down Dirty Blues Band,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.audioculture.co.nz/people/che-fu|title=Che Fu – AudioCulture|website=audioculture.co.nz|access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref> who later became [[Supergroove]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Fox|first=Michael|title=Che Fu honoured in Auckland|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/2870999/Che-Fu-honoured-in-Auckland|work=Stuff|access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref> Supergroove released their debut album ''[[Traction (album)|Traction]]'' in 1994.  The album went triple platinum in New Zealand and won five [[New Zealand Music Awards|Tuis]].<ref name=nzmusicawards>{{cite web|title=1995 Winners|url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/1995-winners/|work=New Zealand Music Awards|access-date=23 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016004941/http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/1995-winners/|archive-date=16 October 2013}}</ref> Before finishing their second album, ''[[Backspacer (Supergroove album)|Backspacer]]'', Fu left Supergroove to pursue a solo career.<ref name=backspacer>{{cite web|title=Che Fu fired up and ready to Supergroove|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/41008/Che-Fu-fired-up-and-ready-to-Supergroove|work=Sunday News|access-date=23 May 2014}}</ref>

=== Solo career (1996–1997) ===
Fu was invited to record a single with well-known New Zealand DJ [[DLT (musician)|DLT]]. The song "[[Chains (DLT song)|Chains]]" protested [[Mururoa|French nuclear testing in the Pacific]] and was released in July 1996, within weeks of Fu leaving Supergroove.  "Chains" was a Number One hit on the New Zealand Singles Charts and won three Tuis, namely Single of the year, Best male vocalist, and Best songwriter.<ref name=chains>{{cite web|title=1997 Winners|url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/1997-winners/|work=New Zealand Music Awards|access-date=23 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016024252/http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/1997-winners/|archive-date=16 October 2013}}</ref> This marked the beginning of Fu's solo career and brought prominence to Hip Hop in New Zealand.

=== ''2b S.Pacific'' (1998–2000) ===

In 1998, Fu released his debut album ''[[2b S.Pacific]]''. The album went double platinum and spawned four top-ten hits, which was unheard-of for a local hip hop artist at the time.  The following year, he received the Single of the year award for ''Scene III''.<ref name=sceneiii>{{cite web|title=1999 Winners|url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/1999-winners/|work=New Zealand Music Awards|access-date=23 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613172239/http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/1999-winners/|archive-date=13 June 2011}}</ref> Fu subsequently formed a band named ''The Krates'' for studio work and live performances.  Paul Russell, previous drummer for Supergroove, is part of The Krates line-up.<ref>{{cite web|title=Eight bio|url=http://www.muzic.net.nz/artists/301/eight|work=New Zealand Musicians & Bands|publisher=muzic.net.nz|access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref>

=== ''Navigator'' (2001–2003) ===

Fu released his follow-up album [[Navigator (Che Fu album)|''Navigator'']] in 2001, debuting at number one and generating triple platinum sales.<ref name=navigator>{{cite web|title=Hi-Score: The best of Che Fu|url=http://www.amplifier.co.nz/release/24131/hi-score-the-best-of-che-fu.html?full=1|access-date=23 May 2014}}</ref> At the 2002 New Zealand Music Awards, Fu took home five Tui awards: Single of the year for "[[Fade Away (Che Fu song)|Fade Away]]", Album of the year, Top male vocalist, Best R&B / Hip hop album, and Best music video.<ref>{{cite web|title=2002 Winners|url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/2002-winners/|work=New Zealand Music Awards|publisher=nzmusicawards.co.nz|access-date=24 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062225/http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/2002-winners/|archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref> That same year, Fu received the [[Australasian Performing Right Association|APRA]] Silver Scroll for his single "Misty Frequencies".<ref>{{cite web|title=Silver Scroll Award|url=http://www.apra.co.nz/apra-awards/apra-silver-scroll-awards/silver-scroll-award.aspx|work=APRA|publisher=apra.co.nz|access-date=24 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604082639/http://apra.co.nz/apra-awards/apra-silver-scroll-awards/silver-scroll-award.aspx|archive-date=4 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> He went on to win Best male vocalist in 2003 for "Misty Frequencies".<ref>{{cite web|title=2003 Winners|url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/2003-winners/|work=New Zealand Music Awards|publisher=nzmusicawards.co.nz|access-date=24 May 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523112635/http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/2003-winners/|archive-date=23 May 2010}}</ref>

=== ''Beneath the Radar'' and ''Hi-Score: The Best of Che Fu'' (2005–2007) ===
Fu's next album ''[[Beneath the Radar]]'' was released in 2005, led out by singles "2D" and "Lightwork". However, the record was not as successful as previous works. The following year Fu released ''[[Hi-Score – The Best of Che Fu]]'', a compilation of hit singles from his previous three albums including "[[Fade Away (Che Fu song)|Fade Away]]", "Waka" and "Without a Doubt", as well as four new singles.

=== Collaborations (2008) ===
Fu teamed up with the ''Glass Packaging Forum'' to promote glass recycling with youth. The Forum hosted a competition for 9- to 15-year-olds to write rap lyrics encouraging recycling.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU0906/S00203/pick-it-up-youth-concert-promotes-recycling.htm|title=Pick It Up Youth Concert Promotes Recycling {{!}} Scoop News|website=www.scoop.co.nz|access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref> The winners recorded their lyrics with Fu in a single called "Do the krusher".<ref name=krusher>{{cite web|title=Class Rap|publisher=Glass Packaging Forum|url=http://www.glassforum.org.nz/classrap_08.html|access-date=24 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150114061817/http://www.glassforum.org.nz/classrap_08.html|archive-date=14 January 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Fu also collaborated with [[Kimbra]] and hip hop group [[Nesian Mystik]] on their top-ten single "Mr Mista".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/che-fu-mn0000865278/songs|title=Che-Fu {{!}} Songs {{!}} AllMusic|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=19 January 2018}}</ref>

=== Hedlok (2010–2013) ===
Che Fu & The Krates continued to tour New Zealand and Australia. As well, Fu performs alongside another hip hop legend, Samoan rapper [[King Kapisi]] as one-half of the group Hedlok.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hedlok on Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hedlok-Che-Fu-King-Kapisi/203222996389076|work=Hedlok|publisher=facebook.com|access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=October 2019}}

=== Lifetime Achievement Award (2014) ===
Fu's contribution to New Zealand music was recognised when he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2014 Pacific Music Awards.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lifetime Achievement Award announced|url=http://www.pacificmusicawards.org.nz/index.php/news/filter_tags/2014+Lifetime+Achievement+Award/|work=Pacific Music Awards|publisher=pacificmusicawards.org.nz|access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref>

== Personal life ==
In 2011, Fu and his father Tigilau were featured in a documentary for [[Whakaata Māori|Māori Television]] in which they travelled to their homeland of [[Mutalau]], Niue for the first time together. While in Niue, Fu married his long-time partner Angela McDonald.<ref name=sonsfromafar>{{cite web|title=Sons from afar|url=http://www.maoritelevision.com/tv/shows/pakipumeka-aotearoa/S01E001/sons-afar|work=[[Whakaata Māori|Māori Television]]|access-date=23 May 2014}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> Fu and his wife have four sons, Loxmyn, Marley, Jeru, and Kaselle, whom they are raising in the [[Rastafari]]an faith.<ref name=family>{{cite web|title=Che Fu remembers his roots|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/4508260/Che-Fu-remembers-his-roots|access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

Fu is also a serious [[Sneaker collecting|sneaker collector]]. Fu developed his love for sneakers in 1989 when he purchased his first pair of [[Air Jordan|Air Jordan IV]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElLDUYzhdo4&t=60|title=NZ Sneakerheads Documentary|date=Jun 11, 2013|website=YouTube}}</ref> Along with a few of his friends, including Dj Sir-vere, they created the PacHeat Crew and regularly organises the biggest sneaker swap meet events in New Zealand. One of his favourite sneakers is Air Jordan IV Retro Black Laser which he stated in ''New Zealand Sneakerhead Documentary 2021.''<ref name=sneakers>{{cite web|title=New Zealand Sneakerhead Documentary 2021| website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEP0gNH35cY}}</ref>

==Discography==
===Studio albums===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:8em;"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Details
! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Certifications
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Official New Zealand Music Chart|NZ]]<br><ref name=charts>{{cite web|title=CHE FU IN NEW ZEALAND CHARTS|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Che+Fu|work=charts.nz|access-date=23 May 2013}}</ref> 
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[2b S.Pacific]]''
|
* Label: BMG
* Catalogue: 74321 629922
|align=center | 2
| 
* [[Recorded Music NZ|RMNZ]]: Platinum<ref name="teawa-certs">{{cite web|title=Gold and platinum New Zealand albums to 2013|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/interactive/42563/gold-and-platinum-new-zealand-albums-to-2013|website=Te Ara|publisher=Encyclopedia of NZ|access-date=19 July 2015}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Navigator (Che Fu album)|Navigator]]''
|
* Label: Epic
|align=center | 1
| 
* RMNZ: Platinum<ref name="teawa-certs"/>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Beneath the Radar]]''
|
* Label: Sony
* Catalogue: 82876729632
|align=center | 7
| 
* RMNZ: Gold<ref name="teawa-certs"/>
|-
|}

====With Supergroove====
{{main list|Supergroove}}
* ''Traction'' (1994) BMG
* ''[[Backspacer (Supergroove album)|Backspacer]]'' (1996) BMG
* ''Postage'' (2003) BMG

=== Singles ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Title
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" colspan="2"| Peak Chart Positions
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Certifications
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Album
|-
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|NZ]]<br><ref name=charts />
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br /><ref name=aus>{{cite book|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|title=Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010|year=2011|publisher=Moonlight Publishing|location=Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia|edition=pdf|pages=55}}</ref> 
|-
! scope="row"| "[[Chains (DLT song)|Chains]]"<br><small>([[DLT (musician)|DLT]] featuring Che Fu)</small>
| 1996
|align="center"| 1 || —
|
* RMNZ: Platinum<ref name=Radioscope>{{cite certification|region=New Zealand|artist=Che Fu|type=single|source=radioscope|access-date=21 August 2025}}</ref>
| ''[[DLT (musician)|The True School]]'' / ''[[2b S.Pacific]]''
|-
! scope="row"| "The Son"<br><small>(with [[Dam Native]])</small>
| 1997
|align="center"| 25 || —
|
| ''[[Dam Native|Kaupapa Driven Rhymes Uplifted]]''
|-
! scope="row"| "Scene III"
| rowspan=2 | 1998
|align="center"| 4 || — 
|
| rowspan=3 | ''2b S.Pacific''
|-
! scope="row"| "Without a Doubt" / "Machine Talk"
|align="center"| 1 || — 
|
|-
! scope="row"| "Waka"
| 1999
|align="center"| 6 || — 
|
* RMNZ: Platinum<ref name=Radioscope/>
|-
! scope="row"| "[[Fade Away (Che Fu song)|Fade Away]]"
| rowspan=2 | 2001
|align="center"| 2 || 72
|
* RMNZ: 3× Platinum<ref name=Radioscope/>
| rowspan=3 | ''Navigator''
|-
! scope="row"| "Random"
|align="center"| 19 || — 
|
|-
! scope="row"| "Misty Frequencies"
| 2002
|align="center"| 10 || — 
|
* RMNZ: 4× Platinum<ref name=Radioscope/>
|-
! scope="row"| "U Can't Resist Us"<br><small>([[King Kapisi]] featuring Che Fu)</small>
| 2003
|align="center"| 9 || — 
|
| ''[[King Kapisi|2nd round Testament]]''
|-
! scope="row"| "2D"
| 2005
|align="center"| — || — 
|
| rowspan="2" | ''Beneath the Radar''
|-
! scope="row"| "Lightwork"
| 2006
|align="center"| — || —
|
|-
! scope="row"| "Spin 1"<br><small>(featuring Aaradhna)</small>
| 2006
|align="center"| 20 || —
|
* RMNZ: Gold<ref name=Radioscope/>
| ''Hi-Score – The Best of Che Fu''
|-
| align=center colspan=15 | <small>"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that country.</small>
|-
|}

=== Other certified songs===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Certifications
! scope="col" | Album
|-
! scope="row"| "Hold Tight"
| 2001
|
* RMNZ: Gold<ref name=Radioscope/>
| ''Navigator''
|-
|}

==Honours and awards==
* 2002 – [[APRA Awards (Australia)#APRA Silver Scroll .28New Zealand.29|APRA Silver Scroll Awards]]: Che Ness (Che Fu) and Godfrey de Grut, "Misty Frequencies"
* 2009 – Appointed a [[Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit]], for services to music, in the [[2009 Birthday Honours (New Zealand)|2009 Queen's Birthday Honours]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dpmc.govt.nz/publications/queens-birthday-honours-list-2009 |title=Queen's Birthday honours list 2009 |date=1 June 2010 |publisher=Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |access-date=16 January 2020}}</ref>
* 2014 – Pacific Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award

=== RIANZ Awards ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Award<ref name="tui">{{cite web |url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/category/vault/past-winners/ |title=NZMAs |publisher=nzmusicawards.co.nz |access-date=30 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922150022/http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/category/vault/past-winners/ |archive-date=22 September 2012  }}</ref>
! Work
! As
!Result
|-
| rowspan=2|1995
| Album of the Year
| ''[[Traction (album)|Traction]]''
| [[Supergroove]]
| {{won}}
|-
| Single of the Year
| "[[Can't Get Enough (Supergroove song)|Can't Get Enough]]"
| [[Supergroove]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| 1996
| International Achievement
| 
| [[Supergroove]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan=3|1997
| Single of the Year
| "Chains"
| [[DLT (musician)|DLT]] feat Che Fu
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Male Vocalist
| "Chains"
| 
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Songwriter
| "Chains"
| Dl Thompson, C Ness, A McNaughton, K Rangihuna
| {{won}}
|-
| rowspan=3|1999
| Single of the Year
| "Scene III"
| Che Fu
| {{won}}
|-
| Album of the Year
| ''2b S Pacific''
| 
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Producer
| ''2b S Pacific''
| Che Fu & Andy Morton
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan=6|2002
| Album of the Year
| ''Navigator''
| Che Fu
| {{won}}
|-
| Single of the Year
| "[[Fade Away (Che Fu song)|Fade Away]]"
| Che Fu
| {{won}}
|-
| Top Male Vocalist
| ''Navigator''
| Che Fu
| {{won}}
|-
| Best R&B/Hip Hop Album
| ''Navigator''
| Che Fu
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Songwriter
| "[[Fade Away (Che Fu song)|Fade Away]]"
| Che Fu
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Cover Design
| "[[Fade Away (Che Fu song)|Fade Away]]"
| Che Fu and Kelvin Soh
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan=4 | 2003
| Single of the Year
| "Misty Frequencies"
| Che Fu
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Male Vocalist
| "Misty Frequencies"
| Che Fu
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Music Video
| "Misty Frequencies"
| Che Fu
| {{won}}
|-
| Songwriter of the Year
| "Misty Frequencies"
| Che Fu
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2006
| Best Male Solo Artist
| ''Beneath the Radar''
| Che Fu
| {{nom}}
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.audioculture.co.nz/people/che-fu AudioCulture profile]
* [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Che-Fu-The-Musician/125613550835620 Che Fu The Musician]
* [http://musicbrainz.org/artist/bf62bfbd-3038-4313-9b2a-a7d36fded570.html MusicBrainz Page]
*{{Instagram|che_fu}}

{{Supergroove}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fu, Che}}
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:APRA Award winners]]
[[Category:New Zealand people of Niuean descent]]
[[Category:New Zealand Māori musicians]]
[[Category:New Zealand hip-hop musicians]]
[[Category:Hip-hop record producers]]
[[Category:New Zealand singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:New Zealand rappers]]
[[Category:Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Musicians from Auckland]]
[[Category:Pacific reggae]]
[[Category:Māori-language singers]]
[[Category:People educated at Western Springs College]]